Trackpad lost its smooth surface

As an aside, don't use Windex on your screen or on you laptop, it has corrosive properties. To be honest I just use a dry microfibre cloth and it removes all the smudges and dust. You might want to stay clear of using water as well as it can damage components as well as actually make your screen more smudgey. Not to mention that mineral deposits left from the dried water may leave smudges as well. If you insist on using a cleaner make sure to get one specifically made for cleaning monitor screens etc. They can be found at electronic stores. I know that bestbuy and futureshop sell a few different brand names of cleansers.

The trackpad IS glass — that's why it feels like glass. Neither Windex nor water could have affected its surface quality, other than by removing the oils that had been deposited on it by your fingers. Those will return with continued use, and then the trackpad will feel the way you're used to it feeling.

There should be a big warning stating DONOT WIPE WITH HOUSEHOLD CLEANING PRODUCTS on the macbook instructions book.

That's a good idea, but you aren't the first to think of it:

*Cleaning your MacBook Pro:* When cleaning the outside of your MacBook Pro and its components, first shut down your MacBook Pro, unplug the power adapter, and remove the battery. Then use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the computer’s exterior. Avoid getting moisture in any openings. Do not spray liquid directly on the computer. Do not use aerosol sprays, solvents, or abrasives that might damage the finish.
*Cleaning your MacBook Pro screen:* To clean your MacBook Pro screen, first shut down your MacBook Pro, unplug the power adapter, and remove the battery. Then dampen the included cleaning cloth with just water and wipe the screen. Do not spray liquid directly on the screen.

These instructions appear on page 72 of my MBP user manual, and can easily be found there by looking up "Cleaning" in the Index. Of course no one has ever read them or anything else in the user manual, and nothing Apple could do would induce anyone to read it. Many people throw it away without even noticing that it exists.

I tried iKlear years ago, William, and in addition to being outlandishly expensive, it left streaks all over my nonglare Powerbook displays every time. Ever since then, I've cleaned my notebook cases and displays — including my present glass-covered MBP display — with (gasp!) Windex, in contravention of all instructions from Apple. It works beautifully, leaves no streaks, is NOT corrosive if wiped off normally, and under NO circumstances does it have the ability to roughen glass. If it did that, it wouldn't be very useful for cleaning windows. Of course I can't recommend it.

You certainly aren't going to be able to exchange your MBP for a brand new one because of something you did to your trackpad yourself. All I can suggest is that you keep using it until oils from your fingers accumulate on the trackpad again.

i have allways cleaned my laptops carefully with glass cleaner. screen, case, keyboard and trackpad. they never complained. when i had my 2007 mbp in for a service last year the guy was surprised and delighted how shiny and new my computer looked.

i have never used windex since it's not available in germany so i cannot comment on it. maybe it has some caustic ingredients that affected your trackpad. as i mentioned i have allways used simple glass cleaners from the super market and they never affected any parts of any laptop i cleaned with it. not even the display of my old mbp which was not covered with glass. i cleaned the trackpad of my current 2010 mbp allready several times with the stuff and it's still as smooth as the day i got it. if windex is indeed more aggressive and actually screwed up the surface of your track pad i really wouldn't know what to do. you could carefully try some display repair stuff for ipods. however, i'm not sure if i would try this myself on my treasured laptop. it's probably best just to ask your trusted service provider and see what he recommends. a chat with him won't cost you a dime.
anyway, as someone else suggested maybe the smoothnes simply comes back after some treatment with greasy fingers.

It won't. 🙂

I have even a better idea, why not read your manual today. I'd be willing to bet you will find at least one thing about your MBP you weren't aware of.

A shocking suggestion, rk! 😉